Eighteen dogs with acute neurological symptoms suggestive of ischaemic
myelopathy are described. A presumptive diagnosis of spinal parenchym
al infarction, due to fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE), was made in 1
6 cases. This was confirmed by histological examination post mortem in
the remainder. Clinical neurological parameters were the most reliabl
e prognostic indicators following FCE. High dose corticosteroid therap
y should be administered as soon as possible to influence the secondar
y pathophysiological reaction in such cases. Only one dog made a compl
ete neurological recovery, however nine returned to normal activity wi
thout regaining normal neurological function. Eight dogs required euth
anasia.